EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

The Return of a Sci-Fi Queen:

Tricia Helfer in Primitive War

Conducted by Guillaume Jean Lefebvre

1. Your upcoming film, Primitive War, is hitting theaters on August 21, 2025. This bold and genre-blending feature combines action, horror, and historical war drama, as a special forces team ventures deep into a Vietnamese jungle only to face an unimaginable threat: dinosaurs. You play a Russian scientist caught in this chaos. What drew you to such a unique project, and what was your first reaction when you read the script?

This was one of those lucky projects that comes to you as a direct offer, so I wasn’t aware of the project before getting the offer. They sent me a full package with script, pitch deck, information on the production team, etc. By the time I got through the material and read the script I was hooked. I thought what an interesting concept and this could be really fun. I was worried about the grand scope of the project though, knowing it was an independent film, but once I got down to Australia and met the team, saw the costumes and sets, and saw their attention to detail, I was amazed that a team this compact could pull off what they were attempting to do. Meeting the cast and crew, it became evident right away that this was going to be a special experience. We became a team immediately and loved working together. Everyone was there to do their best and it shows in the final product.

2. You've become a sci-fi icon thanks to unforgettable roles like Number Six in Battlestar Galactica and Charlotte in Lucifer. How did Primitive War allow you to explore a different kind of world—or perhaps reconnect with elements your fans already love you for?

This was definitely a different type of role for me, but the throughline that is the same is it’s a strong, independent character. I think audiences that know me, know I’m not afraid to get my hands dirty and thrive in playing physical roles. I always try to find the vulnerability in strong roles and Sofia was no exception. She’s been through a lot and has started to give up a bit, but there is still a fight in her. A fight to the end.

3.Your character in Primitive War is a Russian scientist thrown into the madness of war and survival. Can you tell us more about her mindset, her arc in the story, and how you prepared to bring her to life on screen?

Sofia was brought to Vietnam by powers that be that you cannot fight against, or you lose your life. She was part of a team doing research on a secret project and it goes poorly. The rest of her team is killed and she’s been surviving alone out in the jungle with a very heavy conscience. Once she comes into contact with the Vulture Squad, there are serious concerns but she really has no choice. She needs their help to try and right some wrongs, and survive, but they also need her knowledge. Both sides need the other, although it’s difficult for either side to trust. I was offered the role not more than a week before I had to travel to Australia, so it was an insanely short prep. I delved into research and found a dialect coach to work with for a few sessions, but a lot really was shooting from the hip and trying to ground the character on set, as I really didn’t have much prep time at all.

From international model to acclaimed actress, Tricia Helfer has established herself as one of the most striking faces in contemporary pop culture. Catapulted to iconic status through her unforgettable role as Number Six in Battlestar Galactica, and later beloved as Charlotte in Lucifer, she has built a career rooted in strength, vulnerability, and the emotional depth of her characters.

In 2025, she makes a bold return to the big screen with an unexpected and daring project: Primitive War, an independent film blending war, horror, and science fiction… complete with dinosaurs in the heart of the Vietnamese jungle. Tricia plays Sofia, a Russian scientist seeking redemption — a role that is both physically demanding and emotionally charged.

Despite having very little time to prepare, she delivers a grounded and powerful performance, filmed in the raw natural landscapes of the Australian jungle. In our exclusive interview, she opens up about this unique experience, her deep connection with fans, her personal advocacy — particularly for animal rights — and what’s next: a highly anticipated video game and a new television series.

With honesty and humility, Tricia Helfer reminds us that behind the cameras, it’s passion and humanity that truly make the difference.

Interview conducted by Guillaume Jean Lefebvre

INTERVIEW

4.The film blends several genres—war, horror, thriller, science fiction. What was it like shooting such intense scenes, especially when the threat involves prehistoric creatures?

It was such a fun mash-up of genres. We wanted to make sure the war aspect was truthful and grounded so that when we come across the dinosaurs there’s a groundedness that helps meld that in. Plus, we were dealing with a real war, not a fictional one, so we wanted to make sure there was honesty and respect. Of course when you’re dealing with creatures, you have to use your imagination. It’s pure imagination when it comes to that.

5.The visual and technical demands of Primitive War seem particularly ambitious. Did you work with practical effects or green screen on set? How does that impact your performance as an actor?

There is so much about this film that is ambitious, especially as an independent film. My biggest concern was the grand scope of the movie and the visual effects. The visual effects are all done post-filming, of course, so there was just a hope and a prayer from us all that they would turn out good and I’ve been floored by the result. This movie is like the little engine that could—a bunch of people working their tails off to put out a project that exceeds, by far, what was expected of it.

We didn’t use green screen at all really. We shot 95% of the film on location in the jungle. They made that choice to do practical sets and then make the visual effects work with what we filmed instead of using stages and green screen and making the actors imagine the whole world… not just the dinosaurs. We had a practical dinosaur for a few scenes that last week of filming, which was in studio. The rest of the time we were out in the jungle filming in the elements.

As an actor, I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Being immersed in the locations, I think, was key for us to get the feeling right.

You began your career as a top international model before transitioning successfully into acting. What have these two worlds taught you, and how have they shaped your artistic identity?
Modeling and acting are two different worlds but they share a commonality of working with a team of creative minds, and usually quite an international group. I think life shapes your artistic identity more so than the job. This job allows you to project out your creativity but life molds it. We tell stories to share emotions and find commonality and purpose. To reflect on the world and our surroundings and to be part of a collective.

Modeling and acting haven’t shaped me, but they’ve allowed me to express myself in a way I wouldn’t in my normal life. I’m a pretty shy person overall and acting allows me to let out some steam that otherwise I would pent up.

5: Each single—from “magic” to “electric hearts”—has a distinct personality. Did you imagine the EP as a full narrative from the beginning, or did it evolve organically with each song?

It definitely evolved. I actually wrote “up/all/night” first, and at the time, I just wanted to capture that rush of staying up for someone—or something—you can’t quite let go of. I always want things to work out, so I tried to keep it positive, but I also wanted to explore all the reasons we’re up all night: joy, desire, conflict, anxiety.

There’s a kind of jump-on-the-bed bedroom energy to it—the late-night overthinking, the dancing-it-off, the hope that maybe something real will stick. The track had this fun energy but also an undercurrent of tension, and I felt like it hit a really honest sweet spot.

Then came “back/in/time” and “electric hearts,” and I started to feel like I was onto something. “magic” had actually been written a couple years earlier, but once I heard how it lived next to the newer songs, I knew I wanted to keep building this world. That led to “stay/the/night” and “what/am/I/saying.”

Musically, each track leans into a slightly different flavor—some are playful and synthy, some are more cinematic or moody—but they all carry this thread of retro influence. I’ve always loved pop that nods to the past while still feeling modern, and that balance became a kind of guidepost for the EP.

I didn’t originally think of the songs as one story, but when I started looking for a title for the EP, I realized I had been telling a story—my story. I just didn’t know it while it was happening. Each song captures a different moment in the emotional rollercoaster of wanting something real… and figuring out what that actually means.

6. You’ve worked alongside major talents like Charlize Theron, Nicole Kidman, and Paul Wesley. Is there a particular collaboration or set experience that left a lasting impression on you?

I actually haven’t worked with any of those three. I had a scene with Charlize but we filmed separately and didn’t have any scenes with Nicole. I would have loved to have worked with them as they both seem like decent human beings, besides being wonderful actors. As far as memorable collaborations and set experiences, I would have to say my first series, Battlestar Galactica, continues to be the best overall experience. It was such a collaborative set with professional, kind, and kickass actors and crew. It really was the gold standard.

7. Beyond the screen, you’re known for your strong advocacy, especially for animal rights. How do you balance your personal causes with your professional commitments?

It’s not hard to make time for something when you believe in the cause. Of course, when you are actively filming, much of your own life and other obligations get put on hold until you finish filming because the hours are so insane. The hardest part when I’m away filming is my own rescue animals and making sure they are being taken care of well and dealing with how much I miss them. But I have good animal/house sitters and you just do what you need to do. I never wanted human children but my animal children keep me busy! I’ll be moving back to LA later this year and I’m looking forward to being more active again with certain advocacy groups that I used to work more closely with.

Photographer: Richard Bernardin

8. You’ve become a beloved figure in geek and pop culture circles. What kind of relationship do you have with your fans, especially those who’ve followed you since Battlestar Galactica?

It’s such an honor to have people that have followed my career and been supportive. It’s such a joy. Certainly doing conventions has helped with personal interaction with fans and it’s such a lovely experience to hear their stories. Not only what drew them to the shows I’ve done but also their own stories. That’s what I enjoy most about conventions is getting some face time with people.

9. After Primitive War, are there any upcoming projects you can tease? Should we expect to see you back on stage, in a new series, or perhaps in another sci-fi universe soon?

I had a couple of quiet years due to a bad knee injury and the industry strikes, so I’m very happy to be back working and getting to do what I love. Unfortunately, due to an NDA I can’t say much about a job I have been working on this year that will be released next year. I will say it’s the lead in a performance capture video game with a very known IP that I’m so excited to finally get to talk about when the time comes. The team I’m working with is top-notch and super lovely, so it’s been a great experience. I’m also about to start filming a show for USA Network. Again, I can’t mention yet, but I do start filming that later this month.

10.If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?

I was a pretty level-headed youngster but I think I would remind myself to believe in myself and to not take any day for granted. Enjoy the ride… it goes by quicker than you think.